(left to right) Michele Neves, ICHS principal; Celia Honohan, ICHS president; Joseph R. Marbach, Ph.D., GCU president; Justin G. Roy, GCU dean of admissionsMontclair, N.J., April 6, 2017—Georgian Court University is making it easier for students at Immaculate Conception High School in Montclair, New Jersey, to get into college. A new guaranteed admissions agreement, signed on April 5, offers ICHS students a seamless transition from high school and into Georgian Court.

“This is an important relationship for Georgian Court, not only because you’re Lions and we’re Lions. We share a mascot, but we also share a mission. It’s important to continue to expand Catholic education to give students the opportunity to continue their journey into higher education through Georgian Court,” said GCU President Dr. Joseph R. Marbach, Ph.D.

ICHS President Celia Honohan told her students that this was a “historic day.” She added: “It’s redefining how we do admissions. We are looking at your future because it is right around the corner.”

Getting a Head Start on Higher Education

In addition to ensuring access to a quality education, both institutions are equally concerned about making sure students graduate and take their education to the next level.

“I am thrilled and honored to enter into this partnership with GCU, an outstanding Catholic college on a beautiful campus,” said Michele Neves, ICHS principal. “I know the fine work done at the university, and even more than that, I am impressed by the care Georgian Court takes of all of its students. I look forward to a long, healthy and happy partnership. May God continue to bless both of our communities!”

Focusing on Accessibility, Affordability

The new agreement reflects the institutions’ shared commitment to providing meaningful, viable options for those pursuing higher education.

“You may be the first person in your family to go to college. At Georgian Court, we celebrate that. More than 40% of our students are the first in their family to go to college,” said Dr. Marbach.

“Just for being a student and graduating from here, you’re eligible for $10,000 to $19,000 per year to start. We have other scholarships on top of that, depending on what you’re involved in,” explained Dean Roy, who invited the sophomores and juniors in attendance to this Saturday’s Open House at GCU’s main campus in Lakewood.